Clarence Ditlow

Ford Is Recalling 484,600 Escape, Maverick SUV Models

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 484,600 Escape and Maverick sport-utility vehicles because a cruise control defect may cause the throttle to stick, leading to unintended acceleration.

Ford Escape Probed by U.S. After Arizona Crash

Ford Motor Co. Escape sport-utility vehicles are being investigated by U.S. auto-safety regulators for possible unintended acceleration after a January crash that killed a 17-year-old girl in Arizona.

Toyota Recalls’ Fallout Prompts Brake-Override Rule: Cars

A year ago, U.S. auto-safety regulators closed a probe into unintended acceleration by Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles, saying floor mats and sticky accelerator pedals were to blame. Yesterday, regulators said all cars should have safety features that address acceleration from electronic malfunctions and other causes.

U.S. Using ‘Bully Pulpit’ to Urge Rental Car Repairs

The top U.S. auto-safety regulator said he is “working through the bully pulpit” to make sure rental-car companies such as Avis Budget Group Inc. and Hertz Global Holdings Inc. complete repairs on recalled vehicles.

Chrysler Jeep Fuel-Tank Fire Probe Upgraded by U.S. NHTSA

As many as 5.1 million sport-utility vehicles made by Chrysler Group LLC, the carmaker run by Fiat SpA, will get closer scrutiny from U.S. regulators looking into about two dozen reports of fires after rear-impact crashes.

GM Seeks Ways to Discharge Volt Batteries Following Car Crashes

General Motors Co. is developing ways to discharge the battery in Chevrolet Volts after accidents to prevent fires like the one that followed a government crash- test of the plug-in hybrid car in May.

Michigan Republicans May Fill Void as GM, Ford Allies

General Motors Co ., Ford Motor Co . and Chrysler Group LLC may get relief from regulations such as higher fuel-economy standards as Michigan Republicans seek posts leading two U.S. House committees.

GM IPO Should Be Delayed to Maximize U.S. Return, Nader Says

President Barack Obama should suspend General Motors Co .’s initial public offering to ensure the best return for U.S. taxpayers, Ralph Nader and three other consumer advocates said in a letter.

Enterprise's Handling of Recalled Autos Targeted in Group's FTC Petition

Enterprise Holdings Inc., the largest U.S. rental-car company, lets autos under federal safety recalls be rented before repairs, consumer advocates said in a petition asking the Federal Trade Commission to bar the practice.

"Rather than replace the defective cruise-control cable, Ford uses a cheap fastener to raise the engine cover to try to provide enough clearance so the cable does not jam."

- Clarence Ditlow on Jul 26, 2012

Washington

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Japan

Michigan

Macy’s Shows J.C. Penney How to Rebuild After Johnson

S&P 500 Climbs to Record on Stimulus, Earnings Optimism

Gates Helps Australia’s Richest Man in Bid to End Slavery

Hagel Says North Korea ‘Skating Very Close to a Dangerous Line’

Stocks Advance While Treasuries Retreat With Gold, Yen